Meta

Category: Winter Activities

Wisp Resort snow tubing is a favorite Deep Creek Lake winter activity! There are “no skills required”, so the entire family can enjoy it together.

About Wisp Resort Snow Tubing

Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park offers twelve tubing lanes. Each one is 750 feet long. This area has its own snowmaking and grooming machines. Grab a tube and ride one of the two conveyor carpets to the top of the hill. Staff is on hand to help you out at the top and bottom.

What you need to know before you go

Wisp Resort snow tubing is popular, so reservations are recommended. Each session is two hours. There is no age limit, but kids must be 42 inches tall to go tubing. Currently, the cost for standard sessions is $24 and premium sessions are $34. Always check with Wisp for the most up-to-date pricing.Continue reading Wisp Resort Snow Tubing: 5 Things to Know Before You Go

Deep Creek Lake cross country skiing offers adventure to some and peace of mind to others. It is an accessible sport that appeals to all ability levels and ages. One of the best aerobic workouts in the world, this multi-generational activity is known for its quick learning curve, low injury rate and low impact motions. Refreshing the mind as well as the body, cross country (Nordic) skiing provides a sense of solitude for many as they inhale crisp mountain air and travel through hardwood forests and open meadows.

Garrett County and the surrounding areas offer miles trails. Most of the trails in the county were developed in the 1930’s through the combined efforts of the state of Maryland’s Forestry Department and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC is responsible for much of the labor that went into developing New Germany and Herrington Manor State Parks.

New Germany State Park

New Germany’s 12 miles of trails are probably the most well known. Lending themselves to all ability levels, the groomed trails are perfect for beginners. Novice skiers will enjoy the flat Green trail that parallels Poplar Lick or the Three Bridges trail. For more advanced skiers, there are many trails that branch off the Green Trail and climb the steeper walls of the stream valley. The trails are very well marked, but always have a map handy just in case. Cross country ski and snow shoe rentals are available as conditions allow. Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Cross Country Skiing Guide

Oakland Winter Fest is held the Saturday and Sunday of President’s Day weekend each year. It is a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family. You can stroll through the historic downtown as you enjoy delicious food and fun activities.

Watch Master Ice Carver Bill Sandusky create beautiful sculptures.

Each year, Bill travels from Erie, PA to create more than 30 unique ice carvings that decorate the sidewalks. You can watch his demonstrations or check out one of the interactive sculptures like the ice fort sponsored by Taylor-Made! Continue reading 5 Favorite Oakland Winter Fest Activities

It’s a common conundrum – what’s a non-skier to do when friends and family are hitting the slopes at Wisp Resort? Deep Creek Lake winter activities offers lots of options that can keep every member of your crew entertained. It’s a great way to enjoy a weekend getaway near Pittsburgh, Baltimore, or Washington, DC.

Here are just a few of our favorite Deep Creek Lake winter activities for the non-skiers staying at a Deep Creek Lake vacation rental:

Hiking at Swallow Falls State Park
Crisp white snow makes this beautiful place even more spectacular, and it’s definitely a must see throughout all four seasons. If you’re up for some serious hiking, explore trails to all three of the waterfalls – Swallow Falls, Muddy Creek Falls, and Tolliver Falls. There is also a handicap accessible trail and view platform at Muddy Creek Falls for those that need an easier route or just want to take a short stroll. Be sure to bring your camera and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Trails can be slippery during the winter months. Get more info.

Simon Pearce Tours
Watch master glassblowers at work, then shop for the beautiful items they make in the retail store. You can also choose from a wide variety of second-quality glass. Located in Mountain Lake Park, it is just a short drive from most Deep Creek Lake vacation rentals. Find out more.

Guided Snowshoe ToursWeather permitting, All Earth Eco Tours offers another great way to experience Swallow Falls State Park. Their snowshoe tours are a “no experience required” way to cruise through the woods and take in the scenery. For those seeking high adventure, ask about their trips to Big Savage Mountain and Lost Lands.

Sleigh Rides
One of the classic Deep Creek Lake winter activities, you can take a ride back in time as you swish through open fields and over hills listening to the sound of muffled hoof beats in the snow. Sleigh rides at Pleasant Valley Dream Rides are an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors no matter what your age.

Sled Riding at Blackwater Falls State ParkWithin one hour of the Deep Creek Lake area, you’ll find the ultimate sledding hill! Head to Blackwater Falls State Park to ride up on a conveyor, sled to the bottom, and repeat! Bring your own sled or rent one on-site.

Sample Award Winning CheesesStop by Firefly Farms in nearby Accident, to try their award winning goat cheese and browse their selection of gourmet foods. For an enhanced experience, you can also make pairing reservations.

Deep Creek Ninja FactoryThis indoor obstacle course is big fun for ages 5 and up! There are 4 different levels of difficulty, so it can be as challenging or as easy as you like.

Museum ToursWhen visiting Oakland, history buffs should stop at the two museums operated by the Garrett County Historical Society. Return to the past as you explore area treasures, learn about early settlers, and check out Model T Fords.

Snow Tubing & Mountain Coaster RidesWisp Resort is well-known for skiing, but they also offer a variety of activities that anyone can enjoy. Reserve a snow tubing session or take a ride on the mountain coaster.

ArcadesEveryone in your group will enjoy playing a wide variety of current and vintage arcade games and snacking on great food at Fun Unlimited.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery CenterFun for kids of all ages, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind environmental center with hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland. Children can enjoy special programs each weekend like pine cone bird feeder making or feeding some of the resident critters.

After much anticipation, Deep Creek Lake winter weather has arrived! Wisp Resort is getting ready to operate on full gear very soon.

Currently there are 8 trails open including the snow tubing park, mountain coaster and ice skating rink so now is the ideal time to visit Deep Creek Lake.

For those that like to try something a little different, snow shoeing is also another adventurous activity to try while you are in the area. All Earth Eco Tours does some amazing tours throughout the Swallow Falls State Park area and is the perfect activity for the whole family (As one who is well known to be Adventure Challenged, i.e. clumsy, even I can say that I can accomplish this and I loved it!)

There are also various places to go cross country skiing around the area so don’t forget to ask about some of our favorite places to go when you call in! It’s always so surprising that we still get asked “What things are there to do at Deep Creek?” when we always answer “Everything!” Offering lots of terrific last minute specials on our Deep Creek Lake rentals, our Reservationists are ready to help you find the perfect home for your winter getaway! Give our office a call today (1-866-351-1119 or online at www.deepcreekvacations.com)

If you haven’t made plans yet, don’t forget that the 18th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk is coming up on February 20th. What has truly become a true Deep Creek Lake tradition for many, it is also a wonderful opportunity to help adults and children with special disabilities so that they may experience the joy of participating in the Maryland Special Olympics! Granted taking on the frigid waters of Deep Creek is no easy task but great fun is had by all and the costumes and outfits that you get to see is so worth it! Kiss, Pee Wee Herman, and Teen Wolf are just some of the many creative people you get see run in the water! Again, all for a great cause. Do you dare to dunk?

Again, you must call us here at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and let us help you find the home that fits your needs! The Snow is here! We can’t wait to see you at the lake! #deepcreeklake #skiwisp #daretodunk

As I sit here daydreaming & staring out my office window, I can’t help but watch the people zig-zag their way down the ski slopes. For the most part, they all seem to be floating gracefully although on occasion you will witness a bit of a crash and burn. As we here at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales gear up for another busy weekend, we can’t help but feel proud that so many people have chosen Deep Creek Lake as their choice for a weekend winter getaway! Granted, our location is key since we are only a mere 3-4 hours away from Washington D.C and 2 ½ from Pittsburgh. However, most come to enjoy the outdoor adventures that our area has to offer. While hiking and snow shoeing are my preferred activity choices, most come to spend the weekend at Wisp Ski Resort which offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating and more!

Helmuth “Ace” Heise

It is with this thought that I can’t help but think of how this all came about because one man had a dream to make Deep Creek Lake a four season resort. Helmuth “Ace” Heise began vacationing with his parents and sister at Deep Creek Lake in the 1930s. He and his wife, Evelyn, later went on to buy property and construct a year round 10 unit motel. After noticing that there was very little money to be made in the winter months, Ace knew he needed to find a way to attract guests to this area for potential winter sports. He along with some other local business men formed Recreational Industries, Inc. and leased a farm pasture on Marsh Mountain. Winter skiing began the winter of 1955-1956 with one ski slope of which the skiers were pulled to the top of the mountain via a rope tow. The “Lodge” at the time was a one room hut warmed by a coal fired potbellied stove. The ski equipment was rented out of the bed of a pick-up truck. But, people came. Over the next decade, Mr. Heise went on to add additional slopes and lifts and even purchased state of the art snow making equipment (which at the time resembled lawn sprinklers that spat out pellets of frozen water). Wisp continued to grow and improve and as of today has over 34 slopes located on 172 acres. The lawn sprinklers have since been replaced by the world’s most energy efficient snowmaking equipment with computerized weather and pumping stations. Of course, over the years, they also added the snow tubing park, ice skating rink, and more! Again, this started because one man knew how to tun his dream into realty. Although Mr. Heise is no longer with us, we owe him a big thank you for helping make Deep Creek Lake a vacation destination all year long. ﻿﻿

Vintage Wisp Lodge

With that being said, the sun is shining, the temperatures are warming up and Wisp is ready for the weekend! We can’t wait to see you at the lake! #skiwisp #winterwonderland #deepcreeklake #dreamsintorealty #AceHeise

A few years ago, Jodi was telling me about this great new shop that opened in Accident (this is the darling little town that many of you pass through on your way to McHenry) where she bought some amazing goat cheese and wine. She suggested I check it out for a future blog. I have been hooked and a big fan ever since. The shop itself is quaint and charming with a wonderful mural spread across the back wall. Of course the first thing I noticed was the large showcase of cheeses. They have a little area set aside where they put various cheeses, crackers, and jams so that you have the chance to sample the different varieties. A large open window allows you to actually watch them make the cheese, a very interesting process to say the least. They have a nice variety of everything you want with your cheese; wine, crackers, condiments, etc. My favorite by far is the “Black and Blue” which is a black encrusted cheese with a rich, buttery taste. (Tastes great on a spinach salad) The Merry Goat Round is also a must. It’s a beautiful, soft-ripened bloomy round with a nice creamy texture. As mentioned, they will slice samples for you so that you have the chance to pick the ones that would best fit your taste. Not sure on what kind of wine would pair up nicely with your choice? Ask. The customer service is very friendly and helpful. Due to the fact that Mother Nature has decided that we still need more snow, I imagine curling up in front a toasty fireplace enjoying a glass of wine and an assortment of crackers and cheese. So, if you are on your way in to the area this weekend and are passing through Accident, stop in and try some samples. You won’t regret it.

Coming Soon!

Speaking of snow, Wisp is still going strong to the end of the month. Lines are not long and we have been told that skiing is great. Give us a call here at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and we will do our best to find that perfect vacation home for you and your guests. (1-866-351-1119 or online www.deepcreekvacations.com) We can’t wait to see you at the lake!

I recently had the privilege of attending Cavanaugh’s Bridal Show held in Pittsburgh with our Event Coordinator, Amanda. I was a definite 1st timer so with that in mind, I had absolutely no idea of what to expect. First impression “Wow!” It was amazing and I know this sounds a little girly, if you may, but it was so pretty. Every detail that you would need to know in order to have a successful wedding, you would find here. How are you going to get to your wedding? Limo, of course. But here comes the interesting part, you now have options of what kind of limo? Certain color? Certain decorations? Music? Throughout the showcase, vendors were set up and ready to show the potential brides all of the different options that they offer. There were many mannequins dressed in bride gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses. On occasion, a Bride model would glide by. So many music options. There were many disc jockeys to choose from (I was little jealous that we weren’t closer to them as they were definitely the “fun group” to be around.) How about a violinist? Bagpipes? The choices seemed endless.

Bridal Puppy!

Candy Buffets are very popular!

We were there, of course, as the “venue”. Why would you choose Deep Creek as your wedding destination? This is a no-brainer to us. Lush gorgeous mountains, a spectacular sparkling lake; clearly Mother Nature went out of her way to bless us. Surprisingly, a lot of people have not heard about Deep Creek so we were happy to tell them about it. The view from my window tells me that the snow is still floating down to the ground outside. Picture now, a winter wonderland wedding. We have that. Is Fall your favorite season? Our mountains pop with vibrant hues of orange, yellows, and reds creating a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. How about lakefront with Deep Creek shining blue and bold behind you? So, yes, we went to try to spread the word about Deep Creek. In the meantime, we also came home with a plethora of new ideas to provide to our brides. (Did you know that photo booths and candy buffets are very “in” right now in the wedding world?) Amanda made a great deal of new contacts, which adds to list of services and knowledge that she can bring to her brides. All in all, it was a very successful trip and we came home ready to brainstorm.

Again, the snow is still coming down so now would the perfect time to plan a weekend ski getaway. Wisp is going full force so take advantage of the weather and come and play in the mountains. Give us a call @ 1-866-351-1119 or go online www.deepcreekvacations.com and we can assist you in finding the ideal vacation home for you and your guests. We look forward to seeing you at the lake!

Although the air outside was a bit chilly, the sun was shining brightly when I decided to head out for the day into downtown Oakland. On the agenda, stopping in at the Oakland Bookmark’et and Antique Mezzanine. I am the first to admit that I am a bit of a “Book Nerd”. Even when I was little, I used to love to go inside book stores and wander aimlessly. The possibilities always seem endless. A good love story? A science fiction novel? Perhaps just a collection of random poems? I had finished my latest book about a week ago and was looking forward to something new and different. When I first walked into the shop, I was excited about the immediate warmth that enveloped me, followed by a bright and cheerful greeting from the cashier. Warm and cozy are definitely terms that come to mind inside the shop. A quick scan gave me the gist of the layout. The newest and most popular releases were prominently displayed in the front of the store. Cute little signs and plants added to the bright décor. Turning a little nook, I discovered the kids section and was in awe. Books, toys, learning displays, doll houses, and stuffed animals stretched from floor to ceiling and my inner child was thrilled! What a phenomenal place to bring the kids to let them choose a book to take home! I continued to wander around where I found the teenage section, the travel section, self-help and finally Viola! The cook book section! (Okay, just to let you in on a little secret of mine, I absolutely love cook books! The actual cooking part, I can certainly do without but I still love to read over recipes and daydream of creating fabulous feasts! ) ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

Cook Books!!

I continued to happily wander about looking at the huge selection. Finally, I narrowed my selection down, paid for my purchases, and headed outside to embrace the fresh mountain air! An afternoon spent happily browsing and shopping in the picturesque town of Oakland. A must-do on your next visit to the area!

Slopes, anyone?

Speaking of Oakland and fun things to do, don’t forget about the 7th Annual Winterfest held from February 15th– February 17th. Walk through the town and see some of the amazing ice sculptures, let the kids’ play ice bowling, check out the local vendors, and don’t skimp on the hot chocolate. This held on both Saturday and Sunday from 10-6 and is a wonderful event for the whole family to enjoy. Now is the perfect time to book that last minute ski trip with your friends and family. Be sure to call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations 1-866-351-1119 or visit us online (www.deepcreekvacations.com) to find out about the latest specials and deals we are running (don’t forget we offer discounted lift tickets as well!) We can’t wait to see you at the lake!

Pride & dedication are 2 words that automatically come to mind when I think of our featured employee of the month for January, our very own Mrs. Dawn Kight! Now, one may think that my opinion is slightly askew as I happen to think that Dawn is possibly one of the sweetest and kindest ladies I know. This makes me proud to call her my friend. Her strong work ethic and her willingness to always step in and offer a helping hand makes me proud to call her my coworker. Dawn started working with Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacationstheir first winter in 2008.She began in housekeeping where she often received positive compliments on her stellar work and attention to detail. In July 2012, she made the move into our Laundry Department. So, essentially she is to thank for all of those crisp clean towels and linens that are provided for guests to use throughout their stay. Dawn resides in Mountain Lake Park with her husband. In her spare time (of which she says there is very little of) she enjoys crocheting and getting inked (she is a fan of the tattoos and wears them well). Due to our many various company cook offs, I also know that she is a very talented chef as well. Dawn also has a daughter, Amy, of whom she is immensely proud. Amy is following her mother’s footsteps and is following her dream to become a registered nurse. (Dawn was a nurse for many, many years and glows when she speaks of Amy pursing this passion). So, this month we give a big shout out to Dawn. We are so lucky to have you as part of our team!

Looking for last minute specials? Now is the perfect time to call us here at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations (I-866-351-1119 or online www.deepcreekvacations.com )and speak to one of our reservationist about our “Ski Free Stay Free Package”.Also, for those that are staying with us over Valentine’s Day weekend, we can help you plan a special surprise for your loved one when you ask about adding our Romance package. The slopes are open, the air is crisp and we can’t wait to see you at the lake!